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The Amazon Dash button has now launched, what's next for the future of technology e-commerce?

E-commerce giant, Amazon has launched a new and innovative physical device, known as the Dash button, which when pressed automatically orders a household item that has run out such as nappies, toilet roll, washing powder and instant coffee. The pioneering Dash button will be available in the UK for all Amazon Prime customers.

The Dash button is a small Wi-Fi enabled gadget that can be placed around a house, they correspond with a specific product and once the button is pressed, Amazon will charge the customer and have the product delivered. The buttons are powered by Amazon's Dash Replenishment Service (DRS), which can be built directly into, or near, the products.

Until now, this technology has only been available in the US, but more than 40 well-known brands will now offer it in the UK.

It has been argued that the Dash button is a significant step in Amazon's attempt to entice customers to use its Prime subscription service and expand its market position from occasional goods, such as electronics and books, to household items cutting out the role of traditional supermarkets.

There are currently a number of innovative technology products available, such as lights that respond to presence or timers, and smart thermostats that save on energy by only turning the heating on when people are in the house. Following the launch of Amazon's Dash button, it will be interesting to see what competing ecommerce companies will bring to the market to stay in the race of the fast evolving technology space.